[On the etiology of systemic ozena]

The paper presents an outline of the function of the mucous membrane of the nose and the pharynx as well as the pathological changes in the mucous membrane of patients with ozena. It offers a feasible explanation why systemic ozena connected dysfunction (deficiency of iron, proteins and vitamins) is manifested mainly in the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx. The author also discusses other possible etiologies of the disease regarding the systemic theory of ozena. An attempt has been undertaken to find out why ozena is almost absent, in the well-developed regions and why it commonly occurs in underdeveloped countries where the everyday diet is poor in iron, proteins and vitamins.